Office of Public Affairs

Duquesne Freshmen: Smart, Diverse and Selective

August 20th, 2014

One of the smartest and most diverse classes on record at Duquesne University arrived on campus for the start of the new academic year.

The class of an estimated 1,360 freshmen, among the University's 10 largest in history, according to preliminary data, was also among its most selective, with an acceptance rate of 73 percent, according to Duquesne's Enrollment Management Group. The class had a mean SAT score of 1136, one of the highest in Duquesne history.

This year's freshman class is also among the most diverse, with minorities-primarily Asian, African-American and Hispanic-Latino populations-accounting for 14.8 percent of the class membership.

"We are pleased with this incoming class," said Paul-James Cukanna, associate provost for enrollment management. "It met our expectations and is one of the most diverse, academically talented freshman classes in Duquesne history. These new students are heirs to our 136-year legacy and they will be contributors to an even brighter future for Duquesne."

While Duquesne students typically report the University as a top-choice school, that number rose to 97 percent this year. A survey of incoming freshmen showed the No. 1 reason for coming to Duquesne was for a specific program of study. This year marks the first class enrolled in the new biomedical engineering major, accounting for more than 20 students.

Other reasons students chose Duquesne included:

Urban location

Size

Academic reputation.

Duquesne continues its trend of drawing freshman students from farther afield, with a growing percentage of out-of-state residents representing 29 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. International students arrived from 19 countries, including China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, India and South Korea.

Final enrollment figures will be confirmed when the University census is completed in late September. "It takes the whole University community to enroll a freshman class, and we are appreciative of the collaboration throughout campus," said Cukanna.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for nearly 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students' social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne's commitment to sustainability.